We all know heat rises - consequently, so does steam. When seated on a standard height bench or seat, our head, where we feel and judge heat most, will be approximately 44" - 54" off the floor. In rooms with ceiling heights over 96", there will be at least 43" of space for steam/heat to accumulate before reaching seated bathing levels. In some instances this could lead to extended room warming times.

Important: If ceiling height must be above 96" high, please call SteamSaunaBath toll-free at 800-707-2862 to assist in the sizing and selection of your desired steam bathing system. We will ask you a series of questions, find out about your operational goals and specify the generator and control package to suit your individual needs - when we size it, We Guarantee its Satisfactory Performance!

Like steam shower walls, ceilings must be constructed of waterproof materials for long-lasting performance. Typically, ceilings are constructed of 2' x 8" joists covered by a vapor-proof barrier, concrete board and finished with ceramic tile or other shower-approved materials such as acrylic, cultured marble, fiberglass, glass tile, granite, marble, natural stone, or slate.

Note: SteamSaunaBath always recommends consulting with the manufacturer of your selected material for the specifics surrounding installation and appropriate use. Additionally, as construction principles vary regionally, we also recommend conferring with local tile trade professionals on the methods best suited for constructing a waterproof environment.

While steam bathing, rising steam will condense and collect on the surface of the steam room ceiling. Eventually, this condensation may gather enough to drip on the steam bather. A sloped steam shower ceiling, 1" - 2" per lineal foot, should eliminate the potential for this occurrence. Factors such as tile size, texture and spacing (grout areas) all affect an environment's successful ceiling slope. Should your installation involve unique materials or installation techniques, or preclude ceiling slope, please call SteamSaunaBath toll-free at 800-707-2862 for consultation on your steam room design.

The "Steamy Details" on Sloped Ceilings
Steam bath equipment manufacturers have inconsistently documented residential steam room ceiling slope requirements. Some claim 1" and others suggest 2" per lineal foot. Our installation specialists have conducted their own independent testing. In fact, one of our technicians, to prove his point, purposely built a ceramic tile steam room with no ceiling slope in his own home. He states that after a half hour steam bathing session, ceiling condensation droplets do appear, but it takes a whopping 46 minutes for them to start falling! He concludes that since the average steam bath is under 20 minutes, droplets are not an issue in a ceramic tile, residential steam room! Note: As there are varying tile and installation methods which impact heat and steam differently, it is important to note that individual results may vary.

SteamSaunaBath advises that if you desire to eliminate the chance for condensation droplets falling during a steam shower bath, slope the steam room ceiling as much as you can up to a 2" maximum per lineal foot. Aesthetically, it is best to slope down starting from the door wall in most cases. Please consult a SteamSaunaBath steam shower construction specialist toll-free 800-707-2862 for further details on ceiling slope or steam room construction. We love to assist our customers on their steam shower projects!